Computational Biologist - Postdoc/Scientist : New York, NY, United States

An open position for a postdoc or scientist in computational biology with experience in transcriptomics is available in the laboratory of Christine Mayr at Memorial Sloan Kettering Center in New York.

The lab studies the evolution and functions of 3′UTRs. 3′UTRs are best known to regulate protein abundance. However, we recently discovered that 3′UTRs can also regulate protein functions by mediating protein-protein interactions (Berkovits & Mayr, Nature 2015; Mayr, Annu rev genet 2017). This finding indicates that not all the information about protein function and protein localization is contained within a protein. Instead, the information is encoded within the non-coding parts of mRNAs and is transferred onto the proteins while being synthesized. We propose that 3′UTRs contribute to functional complexity of higher organisms. To study new 3′UTR functions Dr. Mayr was awarded the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award.

For more information, please visit our web page: https://www.mskcc.org/research-areas/labs/christine-mayr

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to join the lab.

We are currently mostly interested in transcriptomic analysis of 3′UTRs in yeast and mammalian cells and the contribution of 3′UTRs to protein functions. However, we would also like to study evolutionary questions and make use of long read sequencing data sets. The successful candidate will process, analyze, and interpret RNA-seq, 3′-seq, ribosome profiling, and proteomic data sets. There will be a lot of room for innovation.

Responsibilities
- Lead the development of new methods and algorithms to bring together different transcriptomic data sets and apply statistical methods to the analysis.
- Work closely with molecular biologists in the planning of experiments.
- Provide bioinformatics resources for day-to-day use by members of the laboratory.

Application Requirements 
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science or related fields. The ideal candidate will have a record of creativity, productivity and scientific rigor with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The candidate must demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced and results-oriented environment. Furthermore, excellent organizational and communication skills are required as well as experience and understanding of algorithms, data structures and programming for analysis of biological data. He/she should have a background in transcriptomics. Understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry is a plus.

What we provide
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. MSKCC offers dedicated housing for postdoctoral fellows and a large number of benefits. This is a 1-year appointment with possibility of renewal for up to 5 years based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and on-going operational needs.

The Mayr lab is located in the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Research Center of the Sloan Kettering Institute of MSKCC. MSKCC combines laboratories with a focus on basic as well as cancer research. MSKCC is located in a vibrant hub of world-renowned biomedical research institutions in New York’s Upper East Side, adjacent to Rockefeller University and the Weill Cornell Medical College. The vast resources within MSKCC and the surrounding institutions will help to facilitate the success of the applicant’s projects and enable to establish collaborations with other laboratories.

How to apply
Applicants should submit their CV, a letter outlining interest and motivations and names and contact information of three references to mayrc@mskcc.org, with “Computational Biologist” in the subject line.